"I've got to get it," Moreno said of that first down with 1:12 left, and the Broncos up 24-17. "We've got to get that first down. And that is basically what my mind-set was. ... I think everyone just dug deep, went out there and did what we had to do to come out with a big victory."

TDs notwithstanding, this isn't T.D. Terrell Davis was the league's MVP in 1998, and he ran for 167 yards in the AFC championship game that season. Shoot, Moreno isn't even a first-tier NFL back. But his indefatigable attitude — He runs! He catches! He blocks! He cries! — makes him a key figure in the AFC championship game Sunday against New England. Also consider that this postseason has been all about the running backs.

And in November, Moreno gobbled up 224 rushing in that wacky Broncos overtime loss at New England. In what will likely be a close game Sunday, Moreno will have moments when he will make or break a drive.

"We're going to try to stay as balanced as we can," he said.

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Moreno finished with 82 rushing yards against San Diego on 23 carries (3.6 yards per carry), and while he wasn't Marshawn Lynch, running from Seattle to Walla Walla, he was able to keep drives alive. Moreno ran for six first downs, including two on the Wes Welker touchdown drive early in the game that made it 14-0. Quarterbacks throw into virtual windows, while running backs slip through cracked doors. And on one particular run on that drive, Moreno slipped through the line and accelerated for an 11-yard gain while CBS broadcaster Phil Simms gushed, "He made himself small .

.. and turned sideways just enough."

Moreno is a Bronco, but sometimes he's an avalanche.

"I've always been impressed with him," teammate Eric Decker said. "He's had a rocky start (to his career), but just his determination, his work ethic, the guy deserves the season he's having. He's a guy that I've always thought was a stud, and when he had to sit out there for eight games (last season), was inactive for a while, he stepped in and had a huge second half. And he's had a huge season this year. That just shows that he's resilient."

Reading (and for that matter, writing) about blocking can be as mundane as going to the DMV at lunchtime. But hey, the Broncos' offensive line, even without injured all-pro tackle Ryan Clady, might be the best in football. Pro Football Focus says as much with its meticulous ranking system.

And even the Broncos' receivers, notably one, have proved to be important blockers for Moreno and friends. Denver rushers average 4.5 yards per carry when Welker, the slot receiver, is on the field, according to ESPN research, and 3.2 yards when he's not.

So, the Broncos have confidence heading into the AFC championship game. And Moreno knows that a win against New England means a game in New Jersey — which happens to be his home state.

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